What’s The Beef? Meat Substitutes Have Come a Long Way.

Ask 100 vegetarians why they’ve cut meat out of their diet and you’re likely to get 100 different answers. Regardless, going meatless is a choice and it’s one that more and more people making – and food producers are standing up and taking note.

So why would anyone want to eat fake meat in the first place? Because it’s not meant. And that means a few positive things, like:

Reducing your carbon footprint. Going meatless (or becoming a fake-meat eater) means that you’ll be contributing fewer greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. 1.6 tons more, in fact, if you agree with the estimates of University of Chicago researchers.

Having more choice. Even as we write this post, global mean companies are pouring millions into the research and development of meatless products. Why? Because they know this is a huge trend and they want to be on-board to reap some of the profit. That means offering consumers more choices under their brand – which means more options for you.

Experiencing more flavors. Fake meat isn’t supposed to fool anybody into thinking they’re eating real meat. It’s never been about that. 100% vegan isn’t a dietary requirement for the vast majority of people out there. So don’t think of these products as a direct substitute. Think of them as a way of experiencing new flavors in familiar ways.

Three Meatless Meats Available Right Now.

Interested in what a meatless meat product might look like on your supermarket shelf? Here are three to get you started:

Quorn Meatless Chik’n Cutlets. Main ingredient? Fungus – a mycoprotein which was developed to fight food shortages. So it’s safe, and nutritious, to eat. The flavor of the cutlets is similar to that of a traditional chicken nugget, but has far more protein and much less fat that its meaty, breaded cousin.

Upton’s Naturals Bar-B-Que Jackfruit. If you’ve ever wondered if there’s a fruit that tastes like pulled pork, but with a hint of pineapple, the answer is yes. Sadly, the answer is yes. And that’s the premise behind this meatless meat product. However the product is low on protein, so if you buy it, serve it up with some quinoa salad and beans.

Gardein Szechuan Beefless Strips. To get their savory and spicy flavor, these strips are seasoned with chili flakes and miso paste. To get their salibury steak-esque texture, they are made of soy. Because they are made from soy, they also don’t have the same level of protein of steak. But, sauté them with some fresh vegetables and serve them over some rice or with a side of beans an you’ll get your fill of protein.

So, apparently, meatless meat products can be fun, tasty and healthy. they can also be a good substitute for your meat intake. Got a favorite meat that you’d like to see meatless? Let us know in the comments. Also, if you’ve seen any veggies made of meat, let us know that too.